Red Bull has been dogged by a recurring reliability problem in 2012. (Photo: Getty Images)

Mateschitz Wants Renault To Dump Alternator Supplier: Red Bull wants Renault to dump its alternator supplier. The reigning champions have been dogged by a recurring reliability problem in 2012, which cost Sebastian Vettel victory at Valencia and crucial points at Monza. The faulty component, which has also failed in other Renault-powered cars this year including the Lotus and the Pirelli test car, is the alternator supplied by Italian company Magneti Marelli. "I want Renault to separate from its supplier Magneti Marelli and use someone else," Red Bull team boss Dietrich Mateschitz is quoted by Germany's Auto Bild Motorsport. Renault Sport's Remi Taffin confirmed that the French marque is considering its works partner's request. Despite a testy relationship between Red Bull and McLaren, it is believed one of the only ready alternatives to Magneti Marelli is McLaren Electronic Systems (MES).

F1 Peers Admit Alonso Best Of 2012: Fernando Alonso is clearly the standout driver of the 2012 season so far, two of his peers have explained. Narain Karthikeyan, who usually brings up the rear of the field in his HRT, said the championship leader has performed above the level of the Ferrari. "Alonso is pulling out something much more than what that Ferrari is capable of," the Indian told the PTI news agency. "He is thinking a lot about it. Whether is wet or dry or whatever, he is still doing a tremendous job. In the races he knows he can't win he is (still) taking away huge chunks of points from his rivals. He is 37 points ahead of his closest rival Lewis (Hamilton) and it will be hard to stop him." Also backing Alonso for 2012 glory is his former rival and friend Robert Kubica, who has returned to the public eye after a 19-month recuperation from injury. "It's a very interesting championship," the Pole told Italy's Omnicorse. "It's difficult to read because the balance of power has been changing often, but there has been one driver who has made the difference with something other than the best car. Fernando (Alonso) showed from the first race that he has the edge over all the others, because he is maybe the only one able to make a difference even with an uncompetitive car. He's the favorite," said Kubica. "He's out of this world and I don't see any big rivals for him. Knowing F1, we can't say that the season is decided already, but if there is no car that is much better than his, then I think Alonso is 80 percent sure (to win)."

F1 Return For Kubica Still Possible - Hakkinen: Mika Hakkinen has revealed he thinks it is possible Robert Kubica will return to Formula One. "If he is able, he will surely find a place," the 1998 and 1999 World Champion is quoted by the Polish publication Przeglad Sportowy. "If he recovers his health, the future is open," said Hakkinen, referring to the former BMW and Renault driver who suffered serious injuries in a February 2011 rally crash. Kubica has returned to the headlines this month, resuming his competitive career with a couple of minor Italian rally outings, featuring a win and a crash. Hakkinen continued: "He was, and still is, a good driver. He is still young enough. Can he go back (to F1?) Sure, why not? Formula One is always open to talented drivers. It is a very tough sport — it always was, but today it is harder than ever. Even if you are completely healthy, it is very difficult, and so if you have a problem, it's even harder." Hakkinen knows well how to return from serious injury, having almost died in Adelaide in 1995, suffering a fractured skull and requiring a trackside emergency tracheotomy. But "Robert is in a much worse situation than I was," Hakkinen admitted.

Zanardi Eyes DTM With BMW: With fresh Paralympic gold around his neck, Alex Zanardi is eyeing the German touring car series DTM as his next goal. Since losing his legs in a 2011 crash, the former F1 driver has completed the last laps of that ill-fated CART race, won world touring car races for BMW, tested a BMW-Sauber, and soared to the very top of the world of hand-cycling. According to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, he is now keen to smell burning rubber again. A spokesman for BMW confirmed that the 45-year-old Italian has been in contact — about DTM. "If he had his way," said the spokesman, "he would be with us at the next race. We are not saying categorically no, but also not categorically yes." BMW motor sport director Jens Marquardt added: "There are many issues to be considered first of all, from a purely design point of view, and also for safety." And the spokesman explained that there is probably not time to explore the possibility this season. Before winning four races in a hand-controlled WTCC car for BMW Team Italy-Spain, Zanardi contested 44 Grands Prix for Jordan, Minardi, Lotus and Williams.